What is considered scripture

The Standard Works

Each book is esteemed basically equally with the others as pertaining to their scriptural value. Of course, Mormons will emphasize the Book of Mormon since that is the book which mainly sets the LDS religion apart from other Christian faiths.

The inspired words of modern prophets

Several Articles of Faith mention living prophets as God's spokesmen on the earth today, and their importance is reinforced with Biblical teachings by prophets like Amos, Jesus, Paul, and Moses.

Not everything prophets and apostles, seers and revelators, say might be scripture. They are human, and have candid moments as anyone would. So the LDS are careful to distinguish their opinions and other, non-authoritative statements from actual, prophetic teachings over the pulpit in, say, a General Conference.

Patriarchal blessings

Not all scripture is general, meaning, intended for everyone. In an abstract sense, any truly-God-inspired words are scripture. But that inspiration may have a narrow scope in some cases, applying to only an individual or a small group of people.

Patriarchal blessings are important instances in a Mormon's life, as these blessings contain their declaration of lineage and also inspired counsel from a patriarch, who can receive such revelation. These blessings become very personal and sacred scripture to individuals. They don't apply to everyone and aren't usually shared.

What is not necessarily considered scripture

These are likely to contain truth and may be cited reliably, but they are more like secondary sources, in that they draw upon more authoritative scripture from prophets or the standard works to lay their doctrinal foundation, or their main purpose is to edify and uplift, or inform: not necessarily declare doctrine.

What about the Journal of Discourses? Are these considered the inspired words of the prophets and apostles as well?
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NarnianJul 18 '12 at 12:06

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According to Ezra Taft Benson, "The living prophet is more important to us than a dead prophet." lds.org/liahona/1981/06/… Of course, Ezra Benson is a dead prophet now, so you can feel free to ignore his advice. :-)
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Gilbert Le BlancJul 18 '12 at 13:39

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@GilbertLeBlanc A good case study. But in this case, no word has been revealed which repeals Benson's words or makes them void, so that revelation is still valid. In fact, Ezra Benson's words were re-affirmed in the October 2010 General Conference -- twice.
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MattJul 18 '12 at 13:44

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Though there are many non-cannon books, we are counseled to "become acquainted with all good books".
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Wayne WernerDec 14 '12 at 17:29

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@Narnian - Good question - I've been a Mormon for 18 years and I can tell you Journal of Discourses is definitely not regarded as scripture, mostly because it contains many discourses not personally recorded by the Church leaders. In other words, it is what other people said Church leaders said.
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user3726Jan 7 '13 at 18:02

The Journal of Discourses was considered "good as scripture" while they were published. See preface of vol. 3, "WE are privileged to present to the Saints and the world, the Third Volume of the containing the principles of the Gospel of salvation delivered to this generation through the Apostles and Prophets of the Most High, by the power of the Holy Ghost."

Consider: D&C 68:4
4 And whatsoever they shall speak when moved upon by the Holy Ghost shall be scripture, shall be the will of the Lord, shall be the mind of the Lord, shall be the word of the Lord, shall be the voice of the Lord, and the power of God unto salvation.

Any living prophet must find his words in harmony with prophets of God in times past. To suggest that living prophets trump dead ones, does not bode well with the whole idea of "scripture". Is Isaiah to discounted because he is dead? Is Joseph Smith and Brigham Young less prophets now that they are dead? The problem is that these prophets said things under the spirit of prophecy that the modern Church finds uncomfortable. And, wants to distance its self from. These things include prophecy of coming apostacy amoung succeeding leaders of the Church.

Let me suggest that you pray for attendance of the Holy Ghost as you ponder the things that you study, that He may testify of its truthfulness. The same test that you use on the Book of Mormon applies to any other teaching of any other "Prophet".

That said, there are other books deemed authoritative by the Church. These include: "The Teachings of the Prophet Joseph Smith"; "The Articles of Faith", by James Talmadge; his, "Jesus the Christ"; and "Gospel Doctrine" by Joseph F. Smith. On a lower tier of authority, accepted by many LDS, are "Doctrines of Salvation" by Joseph Fielding Smith; and "Mormon Doctrine" by Bruce R. McConkie. (Watch whether you read 1st or 2nd editions, depending on how conservative you are.) "Mormon Doctrine" has been denounced by the Church.